ONALASKA, Wis (WEAU) - Schools all around the state have had to deal with some tough situations lately but this is why they do it.

Congratulations are in order for two high schools in our area that were ranked in Wisconsin’s top ten high schools.

Eau Claire Memorial was ranked 3rd and Onalaska got 10th.

The rankings were based on advanced placement testing and brings a lot of pride to the schools.

At Onalaska High being ranked the 10th best high school in the state doesn’t come as too much of a surprise to students. They say they’ve worked hard to earn it.

“I guess it’s a pretty good school. We’ve always been told that we do well on our test scores,” said Onalaska High Senior, Alyssa Harring.

“We have a lot of smart kids here. We work hard in school, and it’s a fun place to be. Going to class is not something we dread,” said Onalaska High Senior, Jesse Tredinnick.

Principal Schaffner says it’s his staff and their dedication that’s placed the school above the rest.

“I think the biggest factor for success in Onalaska High is the staff’s willingness to intervene early, often, and provide the necessary learning support for the students,” said Principal Schaffner.

Schaffner says the rankings were based on advanced placement test scores.

“It represents all student learning. Not just the ones who accelerate or on the ones who struggle, but all students across the board,” said Schaffner.

The ratings come at a tough time for teachers all around Wisconsin as they face budget cuts; but at Onalaska High being ranked in the top 10 makes it all worth it for some teachers.

“It gives us great pride to know were in the 10 ten and all of our hard work does pay off,” said math teacher, Brian Frerks.

Schaffner says next year they hope to do just as well, but that the honor isn’t what they’re working towards.
“It’s hard to say to parents we want 95% proficiency in reading and math. How do I explain to the 5% saying we don’t care. Until we have every kid where they need to be that’s something we’re constantly working towards,” said Schaffner.

Nationally Eau Claire Memorial ranked 893rd and Onalaska High ranked 1,576th.